In a move set to boost the nation’s critical Defence capabilities across air defence and remote weapons, global defence giant Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has officially unveiled a new multi-million-dollar production facility in South Australia.

The Norwegian company’s $25 million facility, based at Mawson Lakes’ Technology Park, will support national Defence acquisition and sustainment programs in missiles, air defence and remote weapon stations.

President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Eirik Lie, said the facility – the company’s first one in the Asia-Pacific region – will aid in strengthening Australian’s sovereign defence capability and growing the local workforce.

“We are fully committed to supporting Sovereign Australian Industry Capability through Kongsberg Defence Australia. We believe in the importance of building and sustaining critical capabilities within Australia, ensuring that the nation remains secure and self-reliant,” he said.

Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, John Fry, said having a local hub will facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies and expertise from Norway to Australia to enhance the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force.

“The opening marks a major milestone for KONGSBERG in Australia. We are dedicated to contributing to the nation’s Defence strategy by ensuring that critical capabilities are developed and sustained within Australia with the support of our growing workforce,” he said.

The facility will support acquisition and sustainment programs including Naval Strike Missile (NSM) for the Navy, National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), CORTEX C4 for Protected Mobile Fires, and Protector Remote Weapon Stations for the Australian Army through local manufacture, assembly, integration, test, verification and training.

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